Sports training aid

ABSTRACT

A sports training device having grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training and a flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip and an adjustable weight attached to the second end of the umbilical. The device, when properly used, improves a user&#39;s throwing or serving technique and develops the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sports training devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sports training apparatus, system and method for users participating in sports involving overhead motions, such as a tennis player, pitcher or quarterback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports training aids are well known in the art and are available in many forms. Despite the plethora of such devices, there has not been, to date, a device having particular utility and effectiveness for training one to properly performing an overhead or throwing motion. As is well known, many sports require a participant to perform a proper overhead or throwing motion, including baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, racquetball, squash, soccer, lacrosse, jai alai and cricket.

It is well recognized that the single most important aspect of the mechanics of a tennis serve is that the hitting arm is fully extended upward during the striking motion. Although one might think this would be a relatively simple matter to master, most, if not all, novice tennis players find this to be quite difficult. Stated differently, it is critical for an appropriate service stroke that the racquet meets the ball at full extension.

One way some players make themselves reach up for the ball is by keeping the entire arm straight throughout the swing. This “windmill serve” puts a tremendous strain on one's shoulder and could result in shoulder damage. In addition, it is important that one bends one's elbow in preparation for striking the ball.

The proper mechanics of the serving swing depends upon throwing the lower half of the arm upward from a deeply bent elbow to a straight one. With a loose wrist, this causes all of the energy coming from one's legs, torso and arm to be translated into whipping the racquet upward and forward at the ball. If one swings with a straight arm, the racquet speed is limited by how fast the arm can rotate around one's shoulder joint. If one bends one's arm while keeping one's wrist loose, the whipping effect generates far greater racquet hit speeds.

Similar mechanics are involved in throwing a pitch or passing a football. Indeed, a “windmill” pitch or pass can, and in all likelihood will, place a tremendous strain on one's shoulder and could result in shoulder damage.

As noted above, there has not been, to date, an effective device to encourage a proper overhead or throwing motion.

It would thus be desirable to provide a device and associated method to improve a user's throwing or serving technique and develop the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and associated method to improve a user's throwing or serving technique and develop the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a training tool to enable one to develop the proper mechanics for performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, or serving a tennis ball, which is inexpensive to construct, simple and intuitive to use and which is devoid of undue complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sports training aid, which, in one embodiment, includes a grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training. The grip has a length and circumference, a butt end and a distal end.

The device further includes a flexible umbilical having first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the rip and an adjustable weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

A key advantage of the invention is that the device is particularly suitable for enhancing the performance of athletes participating in sports requiring an overhead motion, such as a pitcher, quarterback, or squash, tennis, racquetball or volleyball player.

Another advantage of the invention is that the device develops a user's musculature and balance for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, or serving a tennis ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a training device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side plan view of the device grip shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the device grip shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a right side plan view of the device grip shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the device grip shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, structures or methods as such may, of course, vary. Thus, although a number of apparatus, systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred apparatus, systems, structures and methods are described herein.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Further, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise, the terms “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terms “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward or away, respectively, from the geometric center of a device or region, and designated parts thereof.

Finally, all publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The following disclosure is provided to further explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of performing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the inventive principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

It is to be understood that, although the sports training apparatus, systems and methods of the invention are primarily described in connection with serving a tennis ball, the sports training apparatus, systems and methods of the invention are not limited to improving a tennis serve. According to the invention, the sports training apparatus, systems and methods of the invention can be readily employed to improve the performance of athletes participating in other sports requiring an overhead motion, such as a pitcher, quarterback, or squash, tennis, racquetball or volleyball player.

Before describing the invention in detail, the following brief description of the various anatomical features of the shoulder is provided, which will help in the understanding of the various features and advantages of the invention:

The shoulder is generally considered a ball-in-socket joint that allows the greatest range of motion in the body through a movement pattern referred to as circumduction. The shoulder includes a glenoid, contacting humeral head and cartilaginous labrum.

The cartilaginous labrum provides much of the socket function and increases the surface area of contact for the humeral head. Together, these components provide a great amount of shoulder mobility with limited stability.

Static shoulder stabilizers include the bony structures, labrum, GH ligaments and joint capsule. Unlike the hip joint, the bony articulation of the shoulder offers little stability. This is due to the limited contact area of the glenoid with the humeral head.

The labrum is a fibrous structure that attaches to the glenoid to increase the contact area and deepen the socket of the glenoid. In most instances, the socket of the glenoid is deepened up to 50%, forming a concave surface.

Three GH ligaments exist and are referred to as the superior, middle and inferior GH ligaments. The inferior GH ligament is the most important for shoulder stability and has the following three (3) components: anterior, inferior and posterior.

The dynamic shoulder stabilizers include the rotator and scapular stabilizers (i.e., teres major, rhomboids, serratus anterior, trapezius, levator scapula). The rotator or rotator cuff is comprised of the following four (4) muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscles. The supraspinatus is the principle supporting muscle of the shoulder.

The primary function of the rotator cuff muscles is to stabilize the GH joint so that the larger shoulder movers (e.g., deltoid, latissimus dorsi) can carry out their function without significant motion of the humeral head on the glenoid. The rotator cuff muscles are associated and assist with some shoulder motion; however, their main function is to provide stability to the joint by compressing the humeral head on the glenoid.

The supraspinatus muscle assists in shoulder abduction by maintaining the humeral head centered on the glenoid, with the middle deltoid acting as the primary mover. These muscles act as force couples since they work synergistically to carry out a particular movement.

As is well known in the medical field, there is a high degree of supraspinatus activity during the initial 30° of shoulder abduction. Thus, the supraspinatus muscle needs to fire and contract strongly to stabilize the GH joint as the deltoid abducts the arm.

The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles assist in external rotation of the shoulder. The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles also provide an inferior pull upon the humeral head to assist in centering the humeral head during overhead activity, such as a tennis serve. The subscapularis muscle participates in this centering, but also acts with the pectoralis muscles and latissimus dorsi as an internal rotator of the shoulder, serving as the main internal rotators of the shoulder.

Weakness or insufficiency of the rotator cuff muscles results in increasing demands on the static stabilizers. If these demands are long term or recurrent, static stabilizers may begin to fail. This can result in stretching or attenuation of the capsule, which results in even greater shoulder laxity and greater demands on the already weak rotator cuff muscles.

Humeral head migration can also occur with capsule laxity and result in rotator cuff impingement and pain. Pain may inhibit rotator cuff muscle firing and contracting, leading to disuse and further weakening of the dynamic stabilizers with greater demands placed on the static stabilizers.

Increased humeral head translation can also lead to shearing and injury to the glenoid labrum.

Rotator cuff impingement, tendinitis and labral pathology are commonly encountered injury patterns in athletes who perform overhead motions, such as tennis players. Focusing solely on the static stabilizers in treatment neglects the dynamic structures that probably initiate and perpetuate the cycle.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional training aids. In overview, the present disclosure is directed to a training device, which, in one embodiment, includes a grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training. The grip has a length and circumference, a butt end and a distal end.

The training device further includes a flexible umbilical having first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the rip and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the training device of the invention, when employed, will enhance the strength, mobility and stability of the shoulder and associated musculature (and/or structures) and, thereby, the throwing and/or serving mechanics of a user. Use of the training device will also enhance the strength and stability of a user's “core” muscles.

Use of the device will also substantially reduce the probability of shoulder injuries resulting from repeated improper (or unorthodox) throwing or serving motions.

It is recognized that in the game of tennis, the serve is the most complex and individual stroke. It is similarly recognized that most other sports where a participant performs an overhead motion, such as a pitcher, quarterback, or squash, racquetball or volleyball player, the motion performed, e.g., pitch, pass or serve, can be, and in most instances is, an important aspect of the game.

An efficient and powerful tennis or squash service motion is basically a throwing motion and, hence, in many aspects resembles a pitching or passing motion. The present invention, as noted, involves the use of flexible umbilical connecting a weighted end to a grip which represents the flexibility of the serving arm while allowing, or more appropriately, forcing the “links” of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand to perform in a natural throwing manner.

According to the invention, the weighted end of the device appended to the umbilical allows the training device of the present invention to create the appropriate motion for a user. It will virtually automatically create a “whip-like” motion to carry the weight to full and powerful extension, which is particularly desirable in a service motion.

Throwing a pitch, passing a football and serving a volleyball, squash or tennis ball are multi-dimensional movements involving multiple joints with varying planes of movement. To properly train one involved in any of the aforementioned activities, a proper and effective training device must allow unlimited and three dimensional motion, such as the present training device. A rigid bar or beam, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,664, simply does not allow unlimited and three dimensional motion.

As stated above, the shoulder is a ball-in-socket joint that allows the greatest range of motion in the body through a movement pattern called circumduction. The elbow is a hinge joint that allows movement through only one plane. The radio-ulnar and carpal-radius joints allow long axis rotation. The wrist, a diathrodial joint, allows movement in two planes, flexion and extension, as well as lateral deviation. During a tennis serve, these joints, working together, must allow force to be transferred from the ground, through the torso and racquet to create what is known as a spiral diagonal movement, which is common to overhead sports motions.

During a pitch, pass or serve, the noted joints must similarly allow force to be transferred from the ground, through the torso to the hand to create speed for delivery and, in some instances, a spiral diagonal movement, e.g. throwing a curve.

A rigid device would not allow the neuromuscular movement patterns, a.k.a. “muscle memory,” to be developed as it would act as a straight linkage between the ball and the body, whereas the flexible nature of the training device of the invention more accurately mimics the multiple, moving joints in the upper extremity.

Because the majority of athletes, and people in general, don't naturally have a good “throwing motion,” it becomes necessary to use a practice aid or device to train the body to “throw” properly and, therefore, create a better throwing and/or service motion. The present invention, when properly used, facilitates the development of the desired muscle memory for an optimum throwing motion. The present invention also enhances the strength, stability and mobility of the aforementioned joints that are involved in a throwing and/or service motion, including the shoulder and associated musculature (and/or structures). Use of the training device will also enhance the strength and stability of a user's “core” muscles, which are also involved in throwing and service motions.

In some embodiments, the training aid of the invention simulates an average tennis racquet in length and weight. It is, however, weighted more heavily in the “head” and is attached to a flexible cord so that when going through a serving motion, the heavy end takes the user through the motion naturally by building momentum through the simulated stroke. The weighted end of the umbilical thus tends to cause or develop the appropriate service motion.

Conversely, if the grip is not held properly and the motion is not correct, the player cannot complete the correct form. To facilitate this, as will be more readily developed below, the grip of the present device, as a preferred embodiment, has raised makers to suggest proper hand placement for a tennis player. If not properly used, one will not be able to keep the present device moving from start to finish in a fluid motion maintaining tautness of the umbilical.

In turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Specifically, a training device 10 is provided with grip 1 sized for being held by a user when employing the device for training. In some embodiments, the grip 1 emulates a tennis racquet grip.

In some embodiments, the grip 1 has a length 15 and an oval circumference best visualized in FIG. 5, showing butt cap 9, the circumference having eight flat beveled surfaces 12, again, for emulating the feel of a somewhat standard tennis racquet grip.

According to the invention, the grip 1 can also comprise other shapes and configurations, such as a smooth cylindrical grip. The grip 1 can also comprise various dimensions, e.g., circumference, to accommodate various sizes of both genders, e.g., 36 year old male, 13 year old female, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, grip 1 has a butt end 11 and distal end 13. The butt end is generally finished with expanded cap 9. The flexible umbilical 2 has a first end 14 attached to and emanating from distal end 13 of the grip 1, while weight 3 is attached to second end 15 of umbilical 2 to complete the device 10.

Although the device of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1, shows umbilical 2 bent in a serpentine fashion, when straightened, in some embodiments, the total length of the device measured from butt and 11 of the grip 1 to the furtherest most end of the weight 3 is variable to accommodate various user sizes and sports.

Thus, in some embodiments, the extended length is ideally sized to emulate the length of an average tennis racquet. In at least one embodiment, the extended length is therefore in the range of approximately 26-28 in. In some embodiments of the invention, the extended length is less than 26 in. to accommodate smaller users, such as a youth player.

The umbilical 2, as a preferred embodiment, is not only flexible, but is capable of stretching to an extended second length from its at rest length as weight 3 pulls upon umbilical 2 during use of the training device. In some embodiments, the umbilical 2 is adapted to stretch up to at least approximately 1″ from its at rest length as weight 3 pulls upon umbilical 2 during use of the training device.

According to the invention, the umbilical 2 can comprise various conventional flexible materials, including, without limitation, natural rubber, synthetic rubber and thermoplastic elastomers.

Although weight 3 is shown as three consecutively aligned weighted balls attached to umbilical 2 as shown, the present invention can use a single weighted orb or a plethora of such while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to the invention, in some embodiments, the weight 3 or weighted end has a cumulative weight in the range of approximately 13-15 oz. in mass. In some embodiments, the cumulative weight is less than 13 oz. In some embodiments, the cumulative weight is greater than 15 oz.

In some embodiments of the invention, the weight 3 is removable and/or adjustable. As such, the device 10 can accommodate varying initial strengths of similar sized users. The weight can also be progressively increased over a training period to accommodate a variety of training routines.

The adjustable weight will also accommodate use of the device 10 for rehabilitative purposes, e.g., rehabilitating a shoulder or wrist injury.

In turning FIGS. 2-4, grip 6 is shown. FIG. 3 shows the back side of grip 6 while FIGS. 2 and 4 show opposite sides of the grip in order to provide the appropriate illustration of raised markers 4 and 8. Specifically, raised marker 4 is intended to create a V or U-shaped series of segments establishing notch 21. When grip 6 is appropriately held by a user, notch 21 would nest in that portion of the user's hand between one's thumb and index finger.

Raised marker 4 is intended to be used by a left handed user and its use is indicated by the letter “L” indicated as element 5. Conversely, grip 6 can also be used by a right handed user by employing raised marker 8. Use of this marker is indicated by the letter “R” identified as element 7 thereof.

To complete the device 10, butt end 11 of the grip 6 includes expanded or butt cap 9 to prevent the grip 6 from slipping out of a user's hand.

The prevent device, when employed properly, will encourage a user to properly perform a throwing or serve motion. If the motion is not performed properly, the umbilical 2 will not remain taut throughout the motion resulting in an uncontrolled movement of weight 3. This results in a clear indicator to a user that the throwing or serving motion has not been carried out properly.

According to the invention, a user would continue to employ the present device repeatedly until the throwing or serving motion was properly executed as indicated by the tautness and slight stretching of umbilical 2 and thus the controlled arc or swing of weight 3.

It should be further noted that all of the aforementioned device components, including the grip 6, umbilical 2 and weight 3, can be composed of a single (i.e. unitary) composition, such as rubber. Thus, a single mold could be used to construct the present device.

As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the present invention provides numerous advantages compared to prior art training devices and methods. Among the advantages are the following:

-   -   The provision of a training aid or device and associated method         that enhances a user's throwing or serving technique and         develops the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an         overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football,         hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.     -   The provision of a training device and associated method that         develops the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an         overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football,         hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.     -   The provision of a training device and associated method that         develops a user's musculature and balance for properly         performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing         a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.     -   The provision of a training device and associated method that         can be readily employed to rehabilitate shoulder, elbow and/or         wrist injuries.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims. 

1. A tennis skill training device, comprising: a grip sized for being held by a user when employing said device for training, said grip having a length, a circumference, a butt end and a distal end, and a flexible and extendable umbilical having first and second ends, said first end attached to and emanating from said distal end of said grip and an adjustable weight attached to said second end of said umbilical.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said grip includes at least one raised marker on its circumference indicating hand placement for proper use of said device.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said grip includes two raised markers, said raised markers including a first raised marker for left handed users and a second raised marker for right handed users.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said umbilical comprises a material that is capable of stretching from a first at rest length to a second extended length during use of said device.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable weight is in the range of approximately 1-15 oz in mass.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable weight is greater than approximately 15 oz in mass. 